Reduction-gearing.



@Enucmr-s @www A APPLICATION FILED JUNE 18K Q HENEWED )ULY 23.1913. n?

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Is ATTORNE HEBUSUGNGEAHINQ. APPL'lcATloN man :UNE is. 1910. RENEWED JuLv 23.1913.

Fatenzed A101220, 1915.

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GEORGE WESIINGHO'USE, 0 5 PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOB. TO THE' f WESTI'NGHOUSE GEAR AND DYNAMOMETER COMPANY A CORPGRTION CF PENNSYLVANIA.

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REDUCTION- GEARING.

Patented Apr. 2Q, lii,

Application filed June 18, 1910, Serial No. 567,616. Renewed July 23, 19'13. Serial No. 780,814.

T0 all whom it may concern Be it known that l, GEORGE Wus'rind HOUSE, a citizen of the United States,- ond a resident of Pittsburgh, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have made a new and useful Invention in Reduction- Gearing, of which the following is a speciication.

rlhis invention relates to reduction gearing for transmitting power from high speed engines or niotors to apparatus operating at lower speeds.

' An object of this invention is to produce a reduction gearing in which means are ein-- ployed for distributing and equalizing the pressure on the teeth of the gears employed.

A further object is to produce a reduc tion gearing in which means are employed' for counterbalancing, by Huid pressure, the resultant strains due to the tooth pressure between the intermeshing gears and in which improved means are employed for'perniitting relative angular motion between the intermeshing gears employed.

A further and more speciiic object is to produce an accurate and effective means for varying the counterbalancing fluid pressure in accordance with variations of the tooth f pressure. 1

Turbines operate most ehciently at rolas tively high speeds and ships propellers op` cratey mosty efficiently at relatively low speeds; consequently, in order to obtain the best efiiciency when turbines are employed in marine propulsion, it 1s necessary to employ a reduction gearing between the turbine and the propeller. To this end, l have provided a driving member-which may be connected may be delivered by the turbine to a more slowly revolving shaft by means of o. pinion f or pair of pinionskwhich may be journaled in a Iioating frame and which interineshes with a gear wheel or a pair of geur wheels.

The fio-ating frame is supported on the` base frame or bed of the gearing device so that it is free to assume diiierent positions both in a horizontal or a vertical plane for the purpose of adjusting the position of the pinion shaft relative to the shaft of the gears and of thereby equalizing the tooth pressure along the teeth and between the different sets of teeth of the intermeshing gears of vthe reduction gearing.

` Fig. 1 but gon enlurged s For the purpose of illustration, l have k shown the device as consisting of a spur f gearing including'a gear and an intermesli-l ing pinion in which the pinion is j'ournaled in a iluid supported floating freine which" f permits the pinionjto assume different ano0' gular positions relative to the gear in re-r v,spense to variations of tooth pressure en-` varies with variations in the tooth pressure: q l`urther` advantages, as well as novelty of construction, will be specifically describedl f hereinafter, it being understood that changes in forni, prol'iortion, and minor details oik l constructionniay be resorted to without de?t 8o* parting from 'the spirit oi niyinvention or sacrificing any of its advantages,

In the drawings accompanying this appli# i cation and ,terr g a part (thereof, Figure l( is a sectional view along the line irri' Fig. 2 and shows the position offthe'iii actuated supports, and pinion, 'the gear rncsliingtherewitli und a strut: for hblding the pinioniand the geur iii the proper operatef ing relation. Fig. 2 is a sectional view along so iy f the line -Zot-Fig. l and; Fig. 3 is a fri l mental transverse sectionr corresponding ile, and shoi detail of my invention illustrated in Fig.

Referring yto the drawings-: lli journaled in a suitable frame or ,d 5 auf meshes with a pinion G journfiled ini a loafting traine '7. The pinion 6 is mounted on 'u shaft which is adapted to be directly` cou-J pled to a turbine shaft and the gear i is mounted on a' shaft which is adapted to coupled to a propeller shaft orthe shaft fo'r'" any other apparatus to be driven. `".l` ic be n frame 5 is provided'with u plurality` cfcylinders for supporting the lloating trainee.r In the apparatus illustrated, six cylinder-s1 are employed, three above andtliree below-- f the fleeting frame. Those. designated bythe Q numerals 8 and 9 are termed the end cylinders and `theone designated by 'the numeral 10 is termed the intermediate cylinder. Pistons 11, 12 and 13 are mounted in the respective cylinders 8, 9 and 10 and support t e floating frame 7. The cylinders are adapted to be supplied with any suitable fluid, as for example oil, through a passage 14 `formed wall of the base frame 5 and connected with the inner end of each cylinder through a port 15. A diaphragm 16 is secured in place near the end of each cylinder by means of an annulus 17 which surrounds the respective piston of the cylinder and is secured in place on the base frame by means of' suitable screws. Each diaphragm is located between the port 15 and the supporting piston of the frame 7 and the oil pressure is transmitted to the piston throughA the diaphragm.

The source of oil supply communicates with the lpassage 111 through a restricted orifice (not shown). The connecting ports 15 are of ample area so that the oil pressure in all the cylinders connecting with the passage 14 will be equalized through the passage and willvbe the same as the pressure in the passage.

' The intermediate cylinder 10 connects with an auxiliary source of high pressure oil supply7 through an automatically actuated 'valve' and is provided with a discharge 0r pressure equalizing port. High pressure-oil is delivered to a passage 18 formed in a wall of thelbase frame 5 by a pipe 19; The pasl l sage-'(18 communicates with a counterbored recess 21' provided in the bed frame and which communicates with the cylinderlO below the diaphragm 16 by means of a pas'- sage 22. Direct communication between the passage v18 and the cylinder 10 is, however,

cutoff by means of a valve mechanism which is actuated by a flange 23 of the floating frame 7.

The valve mechanism includes a bushing 24 which is located in the recess 21 and on the inner end of which a valve 25 seats to close a port 26 provided in the inner end of the bushing. The port 26 and a passage 27 form a means of communication between the y' passage 18 and the` cylinder 10. rThe valve is held to its seat by means of a coiled spring 28 land is provided with a stem 29 which extends upwardly through the port 27 and is secured to a tubular member 31 slidably vmounted in the bushing 24 and projecting beyond the bushing at its upper end. The stem 29 closes the lower end of the tubular member 31, the upper end, however, is open and provides a discharge or equalizing passage for the cylinder 10, Radially extend ing holes 32 are formed in the member 3l and communicate with its interior and with an annular passage 33 formed in the bushing. The passage 33 communicates with theV passage 22'through a series of radial passages and annular passage 311 formed in exterior face ofthe bushing.

rl"he flange 23 of the floating frame 7 is capable of closing the upper end of the member 31 and of' reciprocating the member to control the'operation of the valve 25. l/Vith this arrangement variations in the tooth pressure between the gear and the pinion or variations in the position of the lieuting frame are capable of varying the p1-essure in the cylinder 10 and consequently in the cylinders 8 and 9.

vWhen the pinion 6 is driven in a counter clockwise direction (Fig. 1) thc tooth pressure between the intermeshing teeth will tendto force the floating frame dowmvardly inxopposition to the oil pressure in the cylinders below the frame and, if' this downward resultant of the tooth pressure preponderates over the effect of the oil pressure in all the cylinders, the floating frame will move the pistons l1, 12 and 13 down until the flange 23 of the floating frame, by depressing the tubular member l, opens the valve 25 and admits high pressure oil from the pipe 19 through the port 26 and the pas sages 27 and 22 into the cylinder 10, By admitting high pressure oil in this manner to the cylinder 10, the pressure in the passage 14 and in its connecting cylinders is increased. When the pressure has increased to-such an extent that it preponderates over the tooth pressure, the pistons 11, 12 and 13 will raise the floating frame and as a result the valve 25 will be moved up bythe coil spring 28 to close the port 2G and cut off the supply ofhigh pressure oil. 1f the oil 10 through the passage 22, the annular passages 33 and 34 and the tubular member $51. This discharge of oil from the upper end of the member 31 will of course be very gradual and at first very much restricted so that the oil pressure in the cylinders will be gradually decreased until it no longer pre ponderates over the resultant tooth pressure and a condition of equilibrium is obtained. When the tooth pressure again preponderates the frame 7 will move down` first to close the upper end of the member l1 and shut off the discharge of oil from the 4cylinder 10 and if the oil pressure in the cylinders is not then sufliciently increased to counteract the tooth pressure the frame will continue to move down until the valve 25 is again opened and the high pressure oil is againl admitted to the system of hydraulic cylinders communicating with the passage 14. The movement of the frame 7 necessary ideama m to edect this regulation is very small and has no detrimental edect on the operation et the reduction gearing.

The cross sectional areas of the end cylinders- 8 and 9 are equal, While, 'in the apparatus illustrated., the cross sectional area of 'the intermediate cylinder is about twice the area ot either of the end cylinders since a greater pressure resulting from the tooth pressure will be .encountered at this point. The edective areas of the cyliyjders and the oil pressure employed are so proportioned that the pistons are never moved sufficiently to strain the diaphragms 16 and the frame 7 is always supported by hydraulic or fluid pressure.

If for any reason the tooth pressure between the intermeshing setsof teeth located at the right hand end of the reduction gearing (F ig. 2) would tend to exceed that be-i tween the intermeshing teeth at the other end. of the gearing, the piston 12 would tend to support a greater load than the piston 11. rllhis, of course, is impossible With the hydraulic system employed and the end pistons instead of assuming different loads will adjust the load equally between themselves by changing their positions and in this manner the tooth pressure at each' end of the gearing will be-equalized. The same result would be obtained if the teeth extended the entire length of the pinion and the gears and the tooth pressure would be equalized along the length of the teeth.

In order to prevent horizontal angular movement in a plane perpendicular to the@ plane of the axes of the pinion, I have provided, as illustrated in Fig. 1, a strut, of which there may be any suitable number, projecting through a wall 36 of the base frame 5. rIhe strut mayrconveniently consist of a hollow threaded member 37 adapted to receive a bar or pin 38 which engages a sl'ot or depression provided on the floating frame 7. The member 37 is threaded exteriorly to engage interior threads in the wall 36 so that a micrometer adjustment may be made and the floating frame be so adjusted with respect to the' gear that a proper engagement of the teeth of the pinion and the gear will be maintained and at the same time, the vertical and the angular movement of the pinion with respect to the remaining parts will not be retarded.

I `have thus far described the reduction gearing as being adapted for a pinion which turns in a counter-clockwise direction. Under some conditions, asin marine propulsion it is desirable to reverse the propeller and consequently the turbine or motor driving the reductionl gearing. Under such conditions the pinion 6 would rotate in a reverse direction to that just described or in a clockvWise direction. In order to cushion and distribute the stresses set up bythe upward resultant ofthe tooth pressure while the pinion is revolving in a clockwise direction I haveprovided a series of cylinders and pistons similar to those heretofore described. rllhese cylinders I have designated by the reference numerals 39, 40 and -ll and they are respectively provided with pistons 42, 43, and 44 and are in other respects similarly construhted and are operated in precisely the same way as those described. Oil under pressure is delivered to these cylinders through a passage 45 and the oil pressure in this hydraulic system is regulated by a valve mechanism 46 which corresponds in all respects tothe valve mechanism described in connection with the cylinder 10.

will be held between the upper and lower `sets of pistons and that it will practically .float upon a body of fluid so that thestrains gears, flu'id actuated supports arranged' to permit relative angular motion between said gears, means for dellvering actuating fluid to said supports, and means for admity It will be apparent that the floating frame i ting auxiliary high pressure fluid to said supports.

3. In a reduction gearing, intermeshing gears, fluid actuated supporting pistons constructed to allow relative angular motion between said gears, means for delivering actuating fluid to said supports, and means responsive to variations of tooth pressure between said gears for delivering variable amounts of auxiliaryv highV pressure fluid to said pistons.

4. In a reduction gearing, intermeshing gears, a cylinder, a lluid'actuated piston located in said cylinder for supporting one of the intermeshing gears, means for admitting a constant supply of fluid to said cylinder, and means responsive to variations of tooth pressure between said intermeshing gears for admitting an auxiliary su ply of fluid to said cylinder and for disciarging fluid therefrom.

5. In a reduction gearing, intermeshing gears, fluid cylinders, fluid actuated supporting means located in said cylinders and arranged to allow relative angular motion between said gears, a source of fluid supply for said cylinders, a source of high pressure fluid supply and a valve mechanism operating in response to variations of tooth pressure between saidintermeshing gears for admitting fluid from said high pressure source of supply to. said cylinders and for discharging fluid from said cylinders.

6. In a reduction gearing, intermeshing gears, a floating frame for one ofsaid gears, a system of vfluid pressure cylinders, fluid actuated supporting means for said frame within said cylinders, a source of fluid sup' ply for said cylinders, a source of high pressure fluid supply, anda valve mechanism actuated by said floating frame for admitting fluid from said high pressure source to said cylinders and for discharging fluid y from said cylinders.

7. In a reduction gearing, intermeshing gears, a fluid cylinder, a support piston located in said cylinder and movable at an angle to the axis of the fluid supported gear, a source of fluid supply for said cylinder, and a diaphragm between said piston and said source of fluid supply.

8. In a reduction gearing, intermeshing gears, a frame carrying one of' said gears, two or more diaphragms, and means utilizing fluid under pressure for causing said diaphragms to support said frame.

9. In a reduction gearing, intel-meshing gears, a floating frame for one of said gears, and a fluid actuated diaphragm for supporting said frame so that it is movable at an angle to the axis of the gear it supports.

10. In a reduction gearing, intermeshing gears, a floating frame for one of said gears, fluid actuated diaphragms for supporting said frame, and means responsive to variations of toothl pressure between said gears for deliveringvailable amounts of high pressure fluid to said diaphragm.

1-1. In combination with a lpair of coperating gears, a frame carrying one of said gears free to move at an angle to the axis of said gearA and fluid supporting means, including a diaphragm, for supporting said frame.

12. In combination with a pairvof coperating gears, a frame carrying one of said gears, fluid-actuated means employing a diaphragm for supporting said frame, and

means for automatically controlling the pressure of said fluid.

13. In combination with a pair of coperating gears, a frame/in which one of said gears is journaled, two or more diaphragms `beneath said frame and adjacent its ends, and a fluid Vpressure system common to said diaphragms and so arranged that said diaphragms are caused to support said frame. 4 14. In areduction gearing, a gear, a pinion meshing therewith,a frame, bearings in said frame for said pinion, two or more diaphragms beneath said frame, and a fluid pressure system common to said diaphragms and so arranged that the fluid by means of said diaphragms is caused to float said frame for automatically distributing the tooth pressures encountered.

15. In a transmission gearing, intermeshing gears, means for confining a plurality of relatively thin liquid films for movably vsupporting one of said gears.

16. In a transmission gearing, intermeshing gears, a `.plurality of relatively thin liquid films tot supporting one of said gears, means for confining said films and means for supplying liquid under pressure to said films.

17. In a transmission gearing, intermeshing gears, m\eans on which one of said gears is journaled movable at an angle to the axis of the other'gear to equalize tooth pressures along the gears, relatively thin liquid films for supporting said means, and means for delivering, liquid under pressure to said films.

18. In a transmission gearing, intermeshing gears, a plurality of relatively thin liquid film supported bearings for one of said gears, and means for delivering liquid under pressure to each of said bearings.

19. In a transmission gearing, intermeshing gears, means for supporting one of said itgears by a number of relatively thin oil lms.

20. In a transmission gearing, interi'neshing gears, means for supporting one of said gears by a number of relatively thin oil films, and means for limiting the relative angular motion of the gears to the plane which includes the axis of vthe relatively movable gear and is perpendicular to the plane including the axes of' both of the gears when they are in their normal positions.

21. A transmission gearing comprising intermeshing gears, a frame on which one of said gears is mounted, pressure actuatingI means for movably supporting said l'ranie, and a valve controlled by variations in the position of said frame for varying the actuating pressure of said means.

22. A transmission gearing comprising intermeshing gears, pressure actuated supporting means for morably supporting one of said gears, a valve for varying the :letuating pressure of said means, and means responsive to if'ariations in tooth pressure for controlling the operation of .said valve.

23. Ina transmission gearing, intermeshing gears, a frame on which one of said gears is journaled pressure actuated supporting means for the iframe constructed to allow relative angular motion between the gears, and a valve actuated by variations in position of said frame for 'arying the actuating pressure of said supporting meansjl lli.

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' .maaien 24. A transmission gearing comprising intermeshing gears,l a iframe on which one of said gears is journaled, a plurality of pressure actuated devices for inovably supporting the frame, means for transmitting actuating duid of equal pressure .to each ofk7 said devices, and a valve responsive to variations in tooth pressure for simultaneously varying the actuating -are oli each of said devices.

in a transmission gearing, intermeshing gears, a frame on which one of said gears is journaled, a plurality of supporting devices so constructed and arranged as to allow relative angular motion between the gears, means for delivering supportingliquid to said devices, and means responsive to variations in tooth pressure between said gears orimultaneously subjecting said devices to an auxiliary supporting pressure.

26. A transmission gearing comprising intermeshing gears, a frame on which one of said gears is journaled, two oppositely located fluid pressure actuated devices be` tween which said frame is mounted, said devices being constructed and arranged to allow relative angular motion between said gears, and means responsive to variations in tooth pressure for admitting an auxiliary supply of lluid to one device or the other.

2T, ln a transmission mechanism, intermeshing gears, a frame on which one of said gears is journaled, oppositely acting fluid pressure supporting means for supporting `frame, means for delivering supporting liquid to said devices and means responsive to variations in tooth 'pressure for admitting an auxiliary supply of fluid under pressure to said supporting means to counterbalance strains in either direction occasioned by tooth pressure between the gears.

29. ln a transmission mechanism, interu meshing gears, a frame on which one o1c said gears is journaled, two sets of oppositely Y acting pressure actuated pistons between which said frame is mounted, and means responsive to variations in the position olc said trame 4for delivering an auxiliary supply of actuating lluid to one or the other set of L to ceunterbalance strains in either on occasioned by tooth pressure been said gears.

le. a transmission mechanism, interg gears, a trame on which one of said mounted, two sets ci' oppositely opi i. g supporting means 'for said frame, separate fluid pressure system common to the inc ns ei each set, and a separate valve communicating with each system and actu ated b ri ation in position of said frame for delivering an auxiliary supply oitl fluid to each elE said systems. A

"m 1 transmission gear, iotermeshing :i plura`.ity of seperate'relatively thin ln a transmission gearing, intermeshing gears, means for supporting one of said gears so that it is movable at an angle relatively to the other, means for maintaining a relatively thin lilm of liquid under pressure for supportingsaid irst mentioned means, and struts for limiting the motion of said movably supported gear to a plane substantially at right angles to the plane defined by the normal positions of the axes of the gears. 33. In a transmission gearing,-intermesh ing gears, liuid actuated supporting means constructed to allow relative angular motion between said gears, means for maintaining a relatively thin film of confined liquid for supporting said first mentioned means, and means responsive to variations of tooth pressure for varying the pressure exerted by said lm.

34. ln a transmission gearing, intermeshing gears, pressure actuated means for movably supporting one et the gears so that it is movable at an angle relatively to the axisof the other gear, and a valve responsive to variations in tooth pressure between) the gears for controlling the actuating pressure ot' said supporting means.

35. A transmission gearing comprising intermeshing gears, a plurality of pressure actuated devices for movably supporting one of said gears so that it is capable of moving at an angle to the axis of the other gear, means for transmitting actuated duid of equal pressure to each of'said devices, and a valve responsive to variations in the position ot said supported gear for varying the actuating pressure transmitted to said devices.

ln a transmission gearing, intermeshing gears, a plurality of supporting devices for one of said gears so constructed and arranged as to allow relative angular motion between the gears, means for delivering ac tuating aressure to said devices, means responsive to variations in tooth pressure between said gears for simultaneously subjecting said devices to an auxiliary supporting pressure, and struts for limiting the angular motion of said movably supported gear.

37. A transmission gearingcomprising intermeshing gears, vtwo oppositely located lluid pressure actuated devices between which oneof said gears is mounted, said devices being constructed and arranged to allow relative angular motion between said gears, means for admitting actuating fluid to said devices, and means responsive to variations in the position of the supported gear for admitting an auxiliary supply of fluid to one or the other rof said devices.

38S In a transmission gearing, a liquid lilm supported gear capable of moving at an angle to the axis of its cooperating gear, relatively thin liquid films for supporting the angularly movable ear, means for conning the supportin 'lms of liquid, and means for delivering iquid to said film conflning means. i

39. in a transmission gearing, intermeshing gears, .movable bearings for'one of said gears so that it is capable of angular move ment relatively to the aXis of the other gear, and ieiiible diaphragms for supporting said bearings.

40. in a transmission gearing, intermeshing` gears, movable bearings for one of said gears so that the gear is movable at an angle relatively to the aXis of the other gear, and resilient supports for said bearings.

fil. in a transmission gearing, intermeshing gears, movable bearings for one of said gears so that it 1s movable at an angle relatively to the axis of the other gear,.resilient supports for said bearings, and means for vaugmenting the supporting force of each of said supports by fluid pressure.

e2. in a transmission gearing, a gear, ilexible diaphragms, a pinion meshing with the gear and supported at intervals along its length by said enible diaphragms whereby said pinion is movable at an angle relatively to the axis of said gear.

43. in a transmission gearing, a pinion, a ioating frame on which said pinion is journaled, flexible diaphragms for supporting said frame located at intervals longitudinally along the frame, and means for augmenting the supporting force of said dia- .phragrns by fluid pressure.

sie. in a transmission gearing, utermeshfor one of said gears spaced one from the other longitudinally along the gear whereby said gear is movable at an angle relatively to the axis or the other gear.

45. lin a transmission gearing, intermeshing gears, a movable support for one of said gears, resilient supports f'or said movable support located on each side oii the support and spaced therealong axially with relation to the supported gear.

46. In a transmission gearing, intermeshing gears, a movable support for one of said gears, resilient supports between which said movable support is located, and a liquid backing for the resilient supports.

47. In a transmission gearing, intermeshing gears, a movable support for one of said gears, and flexible diaphragms for support ing said movable support, said diaphragms being located on opposite sides of said 1novable support and spaced axially with relation to the gear supported thereby.

48. In a transmission gearing, intermesl1- ing gears, a movable support for one of said gears, two sets or resilient supports for supporting the movable support and between which the movable support is located, and means for augmenting each resilient support by means of liquid under pressure.

4:9. In a transmission gearing, intermesliing gears, spring supports for one gear located on opposite sides thereof7 whereby said gear is movable relatively to the other gear and in a plane substantially perpendiculaito a plane deined by the normal positions of the axes of the gears, and means for subjectingthe spring supports to the action of a. confined liquid.

50. In a transmission gearing, intermeshing gears, tivo separate spring supports for one of said gears located on opposite sides of the gears whereby the spring supported. gear ismovable angularly with relation to the axis ,of the other gear.

5l. ln a transmission gearing, intermeshing gears, spring plate supports for one of i said gears spaced axially with relation to the gear supported thereby.

52. In a transmission gearing,`intermesb ing gears, bearing for supporting one of said gears s0 that it is movable at an anglo to the aXis of the other gear to equalize tooth pressures along the gears, and a spring plate support for one of said bearings disposed in a plane substantially parallel to the plane defined by the normal positions of the axes of both of the gears.

In testimony whereof, i have hereunto subscribed my name this 15th day of June,

GEO. WESTNGHOSE Witnesses:

C. W. MoGHnn, E. W. Mot/Armerina It is `hereby certified that in LettersPatent No. 1,136,189, granted April 2O,l

1915, upon the application of George Wes inghouse, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for anI improvement in tRedilotion-Gearing, errors appear in the printed speoication requiring correction as follows: Page 6, line 91, for the'wordi gears road gear; same page, line 99, for the Word bearing,read bearings; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with thesxiJ corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office. I

signed and Sealed this sth day of'June, A. 1`). 1915.

` R. F. WHITEHEAD,

Acnlng Commissioner of Patents.

[SEAL 

